Catching Summer (14 page)

The next day, Evan received so many phone calls he eventually had to turn his phone off. Apparently, Derek still didn’t want to see anyone—not even his own parents, who had flown all the way from Florida to see him. Evan spent most of the day on his back porch, looking out into the distance. He refused to take his pain meds, even though he’d spent most of the night in agony. I was tempted to slip one of the pills into his drink but decided against it.

Opening the back door, I carried the tray with our tea and sandwiches over to the patio table. “I hope you’re hungry,” I said cheerfully.

Evan grimaced in pain as he sat up. “Thanks, sunshine.”

I sat down and handed him his glass of tea. “You’re welcome. I’m sure the team doesn’t want you withering away while you’re on leave.”

“I’m not going to be out for long. Next week I’ll be back in the game.”

Choking on my tea, I set it down. “You can’t be serious. Next week? Don’t you think that’s a little too soon?”

“I don’t care. I need to do something besides sit here, festering. I have this anger inside me that I can’t quell. If I don’t get it out, I feel like I’m going to lose my fucking mind.”

I completely understood. After Austin had died, I’d busied myself with the restaurant. Football was Evan’s release. “If you feel like you’re ready next week, I’ll fully support you. I just don’t want you to hurt yourself further. You still have to heal.”

Evan set his glass down and reached for my hand. I took it and he pulled me over to his chair so I could sit on his lap. “I’ll be fine, Summer. I’m not going to do anything stupid. I want to be there for the team.”

I kissed him gently. “I know you do, and you will be very soon. It’s not so bad hanging out with me, is it?”

He chuckled. “No, but I know you have responsibilities other than babysitting me. The restaurant isn’t going to run itself.”

Carefully, I hopped out of his lap and sat back down in my chair. “That’s why I have a partner and a sister who can manage while I’m gone. They understand.” Before I could dig into my sandwich, my phone rang. “Hello?” I answered.

“Summer, it’s Jason Avery. How are you?”

“As good as can be expected. You?”

“Fine for the moment. I have some news for you. I tried to call Evan, but I couldn’t get through.”

“He shut his phone off because it wouldn’t stop ringing. Is everything okay? Did you find out anything?” Evan perked up and sat forward in his chair.

“I don’t have any news about the accident, but I did find out something about Milner that brought up some red flags.” I put the phone on speaker so Evan could hear, too.

“Tell us. I have you on speakerphone so Evan can hear.”

“Good, that way I only have to say it once. After what happened with Levi, I did a little bit of researching. As far as the accident, I don’t see how he could’ve done it since he hasn’t left Arizona. However, that doesn’t rule out the possibility that he had something to do with it. But here is where things get a little weird. Apparently, Milner recently accepted a large amount of money from a bank overseas. It was wired to his account about three weeks ago.”

“So what are you saying?” Evan asked.

“I’m saying that I think he might have been paid off to fuck with you. You’ve never had issues with him before, and you have no ties to him. I can’t think of anything else.”

“How long will it take you to find out where the money came from?” I questioned.

He sighed. “I’m on it, but it could take a couple of weeks to break through. There’s so much to investigate with the accident.”

Evan huffed and sat back in his chair. “We understand. Just keep us posted.”

“Will do. We’ll get it figured out, I promise.” We said our goodbyes and hung up the phone.

Sitting back in my chair, I looked over at Evan. “Who the hell would pay that kind of money to see you get hurt?”

He shrugged. “Fuck if I know. But whoever it is, they don’t want to just hurt me….They want me dead.”

O
NE WEEK LATER

Derek had been released from the hospital three days ago. By the time his family got there to take him home, he’d snuck out undetected. No one had heard from him since. He had disappeared without a trace. Evan had tried to find him, with no luck; he vowed not to give up searching for him. He was also determined to get his own life back on track. In two days, he was going to be right back on the field. Unfortunately, we had a hard task ahead of us. Brianna’s funeral was today, and afterward everyone was going to get together at the tavern for dinner. We all just hoped Derek would come out of hiding and show up. Brianna’s family had put the funeral on hold for as long as they could until Derek was released from the hospital. They knew their daughter would have wanted him there.

Evan finished his coffee and kissed my head. He’d healed quickly from the crash and had only a few light-colored bruises left over. “I’m going to take a quick shower so we can head to the funeral.”

Grabbing his hand, I pulled him to me. “Do you think Derek will show?”

He looked away. “I don’t know. I’m just ready for the police to find out who the fuck’s responsible.”

“They will, don’t worry. I have faith in them.”

He shook his head. “It’s been over a week and they still don’t know. Derek’s not going to rest until they find out who it was.”

We stood there in silence, but I understood completely. I could only imagine how distraught I’d still be if the police hadn’t found my husband’s murderers. It hurt to keep it together in front of Evan, knowing that all I wanted to do was cry. The last funeral I’d been to was Austin’s. And now we were burying a friend and her unborn child.

Clearing my throat, I sucked back my tears and smiled. “Why don’t you go take your shower? I think I’m going to get some fresh air.”

I was afraid he’d sense the breakdown that was about to ensue, but he nodded and disappeared down the hall. As soon as I heard the shower water turn on, I walked outside and shut the door. A text came through on my phone, and I knew who it was going to be. Philip had been checking up on me every single day.

Are you okay?

Instead of texting him back, I called. He answered on the first ring. “I’m assuming you have more to say than a simple yes?”

“I’m sorry I’ve been short with you this week. It’s just been a little hard.”

“I know, and I understand. I’m sure the accident has brought back a lot of emotions for you, especially with it involving Evan. Are you going to the funeral?”

Hanging my head, I let the tears fall. “Yes. And then afterward everyone’s coming to the tavern.”

“Have the police found anything?”

“No.”

“It’s been a week. Didn’t you think they would find something by now?”

“You would think, but I guess it’s more difficult than I thought.”

“I wish I could see you again. Will you be free for lunch anytime this coming week?”

“I should be. Why don’t you come by the restaurant tonight? I don’t think anyone would mind. I feel like my world’s spinning out of control again.”

“Have you talked to Evan about it?”

I choked on a sob. “He has so much going on right now with the accident, Derek, and the team. I’d feel selfish if I burdened him with my feelings.”

He huffed, his voice laced with anger. “He’s not the only one hurting right now, Summer. You’ve got to be able to express your emotions. If you feel you have to hold back, then there’s obviously something wrong in the relationship. It shouldn’t be like that. No matter the circumstances, you should be able to talk to him the way you talk to me.”

Taken aback by his tone, I held the phone away from my ear, completely in shock. He’d never talked to me like that before. “Philip—”

“I’m sorry,” he blurted. “I shouldn’t have lost my temper. It’s just that you’re such an amazing, beautiful woman, and I’ve been worried about you. The last thing I want is to see you spiral back down.”

“That’s not going to happen.”

“You sure about that?”

I wasn’t, but I wasn’t going to say that to him now. “I’m sure. So anyway, about tonight. Do you want to come to the restaurant?” I asked, changing the subject.

He sighed. “As much as I’d like to, I don’t think it would be appropriate, considering I didn’t know Brianna. I’d be more than happy to see you some other time this week.”

“I’d like that. Just come to the restaurant whenever you can.”

He chuckled lightly. “You might regret saying that. You’ll be tired of me by the end of the week.”

“Doubtful. I’ll see you soon.”

We said our goodbyes, and when I hung up I laid my head on my arms. I missed talking to Philip, but I was glad I didn’t depend on his emotional support anymore. The whole week, I’d been right by Evan’s side, making sure he was taken care of. I didn’t think about myself or my own feelings. Now it felt like it was all crashing down around me. I thought I was strong, but after what had happened I had an overwhelming feeling of doom. I could’ve lost Evan in that accident. Someone was out there trying to punish him. The thought of losing him terrified me. Tears stained the patio floor as they dropped off my face, my makeup most likely a train wreck. There was no stopping my crying, though. I’d kept it bottled up for way too long.

“Summer,” Evan murmured.

Gasping, I sat up and hastily wiped the tears from my eyes. I made sure not to turn around. “That was fast. I didn’t think you’d finish your shower so quickly.”

“I’ve been out for thirty minutes. I got worried when you didn’t come inside.”

“I’m sorry. I guess I just lost track of time.”

His footsteps thumped on the wooden floor, and then his hands came down on my shoulders, pulling me into him. “You’re a terrible liar, sunshine. I don’t have to see your face to know that you’re upset. I can hear it in your voice.”

“You know me so well.”

He turned me around in his arms. “Enough to know that you’re hiding your feelings. Don’t be ashamed or feel like you have to keep your true feelings from me. We’ve all been through hell this past week.”

“I wanted to be strong for you, but in all reality, I’m terrified. In the hospital, I saw myself in Derek’s eyes. I can’t go through that again.”

Taking my face in his hands, he held me tightly. “I’m not going anywhere. There’s a part of me that wants to tell you to run far away and never look back, but the other part wants to clutch you tight and never let go. I would understand if you wanted to leave. Just know that I will always be here for you no matter what you decide.”

Lifting up on my toes, I kissed him gently and then forced my tongue inside. He groaned and gripped the back of my dress in his fists. We hadn’t made love since he’d gotten out of the hospital and I craved his touch more than anything. “I don’t want to leave, Evan. I’ve missed you this week. I just want things to get back to normal.”

He kissed me again and trailed his lips down my neck. “I do, too, sunshine. I’ve missed making love to you.”

“Then show me,” I begged. “Let’s forget everything going on and focus on each other. I need this….I need you.”

Picking me up in his arms, he opened the door and carried me to his bedroom. Once he set me down, he unzipped my dress and covered me with his body. “I need you more.”

Derek attended the funeral, but he was doped up on pain meds and alcohol. He didn’t say a word, just stood by Brianna’s casket while the service commenced. Everyone just sat there and watched him. When it was all said and done, he walked out of the church and disappeared before anyone could stop him. Needless to say, he didn’t show up at the restaurant.

Monday finally rolled around and it was a new beginning for everyone. Instead of going to the restaurant, I opted to go to the field with Evan, since it was his first day back. The team was glad to have him back, but a glumness still hung in the air. The cheerleaders didn’t have their usual spark. Kate sat beside me in the stands while we watched the team practice.

“Do you think Derek will come back?”

She turned to look at me, sighing. “I hope so. The team needs him.”

“I think Evan does, too. He loves to save people, doesn’t he?”

Kate chuckled. “That he does. It’s what makes him who he is.”

We sat there in silence, watching the guys practice. Kate grabbed her belly and groaned as she stood. Getting to my feet, I grabbed her elbow to steady her. “Are you okay?”

She blew out a shaky breath. “Yeah, just a little light-headed.”

Holding her arm, I helped her down the stairs and inside to the cooler air. “Are you sure you’re not going into labor? Are you having pains?”

We walked the rest of the way to the locker room, where she sat down with sweat pouring down her face. “The pains have been there for about a week now. I went to the doctor yesterday and I’d barely dilated. It’s probably just a false alarm.”

Rushing over to the pile of towels, I grabbed one and wiped the sweat off her brow. “How about some water? You could be dehydrated.”

I handed her the towel and she nodded. “That would be perfect. Thank you.”

The drink machines were just outside the locker room, so I bought a couple of waters and hurried back to her. Her eyes were closed while she concentrated on her breathing. I opened the cap to her bottle. “Here you go. Drink up.”

She opened her eyes and took the water, guzzling it down. “Much better.” When she stood, everything changed. Gasping, her mouth flew open and she looked down at the floor as a trail of liquid started dripping down her legs.

“Did you just piss yourself or did your water just break?”

Eyes wide, she looked up at me, laughing, but then her face contorted in pain. “No, I didn’t piss myself. Ah, shit, go get the boys, the baby’s coming!”

“Oh my goodness,” I squealed, bumping into the lockers. Kate laughed and put the towel between her legs before sitting back down. It was a good thing she was wearing a sundress. “I’ll be right back,” I shouted as I took off down the hall.

The doors to the field were up ahead, and as soon as I burst through them and rushed onto the field, everyone turned my way. “Kate’s water just broke! Hospital, now!”

The guys whistled and shouted, patting Cooper on the back as he ran toward me. “Is she okay?”

Evan joined us and we all rushed inside. “She’s fine, just having contractions.”

Cooper made it to the locker room first and helped Kate to her feet. Evan went to the lockers and pulled out Cooper’s bag, stuffing his clothes into it. “Get her to the hospital and I’ll bring your stuff. Go!”

Cooper and Kate disappeared down the hall. By the time Evan changed clothes and we got out to the parking lot, they were already gone. For the first time in days, Evan had a genuine smile on his face. Kate’s baby couldn’t have come at a better time. It was something for everyone to celebrate. When we got to the hospital, Kate was already in a room with Cooper pacing beside her, still in his pads and jersey.

“How long did the doctor say?” I asked.

Evan handed Cooper his gym bag, and he changed clothes right there in front of us, clearly not wanting to leave Kate’s side. “Not long. They’re about to get everything prepared,” she said.

Evan hugged Kate and kissed her on the cheek. “We’re here for you both. If you need anything, just let us know.” About that time, the door opened and a handful of nurses entered the room. “We’ll be in the waiting room.” Turning toward Cooper, he slapped him on the shoulder. “Congrats, brother. Don’t pass out.”

Cooper rolled his eyes and laughed. “Whatever, douchebag. Get out of here.”

Before leaving, I hugged Kate and felt the burn behind my eyes. “Push hard,” I teased.

“You know it. I’ve been dying to hold my son for nine months.”

I let her go and smiled. “I bet. I can’t wait to hold him, too.”

Putting his arm around me, Evan guided me out of the room as the nurses brought in more equipment. “Getting a little teary-eyed?” Evan murmured. We sat down in the waiting room and I snuggled into his side.

“I can’t help it. I’ve always wanted a family.”

He pulled me in tighter. “I take it Austin didn’t?”

“No, that’s not it at all. He wanted kids, too, but we never really had the chance.”

“I understand,” he whispered in my ear.

“What about you? Is it in your plan to have a wife and kids?”

“Are you offering yourself up for the job?” he asked teasingly.

I giggled. “Maybe. You might be a little too hard to handle. I’ll have to think on that one.”

He chuckled, but then tilted my face toward him, his gaze serious. “In all honesty, I never thought a wife and kids were in the cards for me. It always seemed out of reach.”

“Is it something you’d want, though?”

Before he could reply, a herd of guys from the team and several of the cheerleaders filed into the waiting room. “She shoot my baby out yet?” one of the guys asked. He was Chris Waters, one of the largest defensive linemen on the team.

The others laughed and so did Evan. “You wish, fuckhead. Besides, I don’t see how you get any women. You’d suffocate them.”

Winking, Chris rubbed his nipples through his shirt, making the cheerleaders groan in disgust. “That’s why they ride my cock, Townsend. Women love my sexy ass.”

The guys bantered back and forth, laughing as the time went on. Derek had always been the life of the party, and it was evident they were trying to fill that gap. They were being strong for one another, just like a team should. About two hours later, one of the nurses came out of the room with a wide grin. She glanced around the room and spotted Evan and me.

“It’s a boy. Kate asked me to come get you.”

Evan stood and pulled me to my feet while everyone else stayed put. “Take pictures,” one of the cheerleaders hollered. When we got into the room, Cooper was leaning over Kate. When he moved out of the way, I saw the little bundle of joy in her arms. He was asleep with his hands up by his face.

“Oh my goodness, he’s so adorable,” I gushed softly.

Kate smiled up at me. “Do you want to hold him?”

I held out my arms. “You don’t even have to ask.” Leaning over, I scooped him up and sat down in the rocking chair. Evan talked to Kate and Cooper for a few minutes and then kneeled down at my side to look at his nephew.

“What did you name him?” he asked.

I looked up at them and they both gazed at each other and smiled. “Zachary,” they said in unison.

Zachary yawned and grabbed on to my finger. His hands were so tiny. “Zachary. I like that name.”

I held him for the longest time, but then Evan opened his arms. “I think it’s my turn.”

Evan and I switched positions and I gently set Zachary in his arms. Kate waved me over, so I sat down on the edge of her bed while Cooper took a seat in the recliner beside Evan. “When do you think you and Evan will have some?” she asked.

Eyes wide, I stared at her in shock. “Kids?”

She nodded and smiled. I watched Evan with Zachary and my heart fluttered. He’d never gotten the chance to answer my question earlier. All I knew was that if he ever seriously asked me to fulfill the job of being his wife, my answer wouldn’t be a maybe.